One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
A comforting one-pot meal with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato-basil sauce that cooks in 30 minutes for effortless weeknight dining. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups, low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add to pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Add diced onion to pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in uncooked rice, then add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken to pot.
- Step 4: Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring once halfway.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and cook for 2 more minutes until sauce is creamy and chicken is fully cooked. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
